27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: December 6 to 8

Keep the wintertime fun going with our picks of 27 things to do in Vancouver on December 6, December 7 and December 8. Check out The Dirty Betty Show, Casino Night Out, and more.

And for more things happening around town, be sure to check out our events section.

Friday, December 6

Dirty Betty Presents: Hoe-Hoe-Holiday Show

What: The Dirty Betty Show celebrates the holiday season with a festive and funny evening at Fox Cabaret. Vancouver’s sassiest comedy show features an all-femme cast of drag queens, stand-up comedians, improvisers, burlesque, and more.

When: December 6, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 to 10 pm
Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Christmas at Canada Place 2019

What: Free Christmas attractions presented by the Port of Vancouver will be taking over the Canadian Trail, along the west promenade of Canada Place from December 6, 2019, to January 1, 2020, from 8 am to 11 pm daily. This year’s festivities include a historic peek into the past with Woodward’s Windows displays, the festive Avenue of Trees, and the iconic white sails of Canada Place being illuminated with bright colours and designs throughout the holidays. And make sure to stop by Canada’s North light display including “Chrismoose,” a massive 15-ft-tall moose light sculpture. Snap a photo to commemorate a fun time at Christmas at Canada Place.

When: December 6, 2019 until January 1, 2020
 Time:  8 am to 11 pm Daily
Where: The Canadian Trail, West Promenade – 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Giants vs Spokane Chiefs

What: Vancouver Giants face off with the Spokane Chiefs at Langley Events Centre on December 6.

When: December 6, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Winter Hayrides in Steveston

What: Enjoy a winter hayride around Steveston Village, complete with a seasonal sing-a-long and viewing of local holiday displays.

When: December 6, 2019
Time: 6 to 8:30 pm. Hayrides leave every 30 minutes.
Where: Steveston Community Centre – 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
Price: $7 per person, Pre-registration is required at Steveston Community Centre or by calling 604-238-8080.

The Chainsmokers

What: The Grammy Award-winning artist and producer duo The Chainsmokers bring their “WORLD WAR JOY” North American headline arena tour to Vancouver on December 6. They’ll be joined by 5 Seconds of Summer.

When: December 6, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The ASSEMBLY Clown Cabaret : “Life’s a Drag!”

What: The ASSEMBLY Clown Cabaret is a showcase of womxn & non-binary performers, with musical interludes, neo-bouffon acts, and more. Featuring performances by Cat Main, Emma Claire, Priscilla Costa, and more, with direction from Deanna Fleysher.

When: December 6 to 8, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 8:30 pm
Where: The Red Gate Revue Stage — 1601 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

ArtRich 2019

What: ArtsRich is a bi-annual juried exhibition for emerging and established artists from Richmond and nearby communities to exhibit together. Enjoy a wide variety of artwork from across the Lower Mainland.

When: December 6 (opening reception), exhibition open from December 7 to December 31, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm (opening reception), 10 am to 6 pm (Monday to Friday), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Richmond Art Gallery – 180-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: By donation

Saturday, December 7

Casino Night Out

What: Grand Villa Casino invites guests to try the new 007 James Bond Slot Machine on December 7 from 6 to 9 pm. There will be live entertainment with a DJ and showgirls, tasty appies, and a chance to win the Grand Villa Casino prize package worth $500. There will also be $2,500 worth of gift cards being given away.

Plus visit Grand Villa anytime between December 6 and January 5 and play the new Bond-themed slot games with an Encore Rewards card to be entered for a chance to win $10,000 and a VIP Casino Night Out for two.

When: December 7, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Grand Villa Casino – 4331 Dominion St, Burnaby
Tickets: No tickets required. Guests must be 19+ to enter the casino.

Danny Bhoy

What: Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy is a Gemini-nominated performer and has appeared at Just For Laughs Festival, on Live at the Apollo, and on The Late Show with David Letterman. He performs on December 7 at Chan Shun Concert Hall. Presented by Just For Laughs.

When: December 7, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Chan Shun Concert Hall – 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Canucks vs Buffalo Sabres

What: Vancouver Canucks face off with Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Arena on December 7.

When: December  7, 2019
Time: 1 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Kensington Holiday Craft Fair

What: The 12th annual Kensington Holiday Craft Fair features holiday gifts and stocking stuffers crafted by local artisans. In addition to free parking, the event hosts a raffle and door prizes for attendees.

When: December 7, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where:  Kensington Community Centre – 5175 Dumfries Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Cineplex Community Day

What: Cineplex wants you to treat yourself to a free movie day on December 7. For the ninth consecutive year, Cineplex Community Day will treat guests to a selection of popular movies. All proceeds from donations and select concession sales will go toward supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Canada. Popcorn, drinks, and select candy will be available to purchase at $2.50, a reduced price. Film this year include: A Christmas Story, Elf, Gremlins, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Polar Express.

When: December 7, 2019
Time: Doors open at 9 am
Where: Participating theatres across Canada
Price: Movies are free, concession snacks at $2.50

Deck the Heights

What: The Heights Merchants Association is starting a new festive tradition this year: Deck the Heights. Everyone is welcome to vote for the Best Window Display among participating businesses from December 7 to 20. Santa Claus and his elf will also help launch Deck the Heights on December 7.

When: December 7 to 20, 2019
Time: Launch party on December 7 from 12 to 5:30 pm. View windows anytime.
Where: Burnaby Heights Neighbourhood
Admission: Free

Songs in the Snow – A Village Christmas

What: The Steveston Historical Society, in cooperation with City of Richmond and Richmond Arts Coalition, presents local musicians performing holiday classics. There will also be free hot chocolate, holiday activities, vintage-style Christmas crafts, and more for the family to enjoy.

When: December 7, December 14, December 21, 2019
Time: 4 to 6 pm
Where: Steveston Town Square Park – 3791 Moncton Street, Richmond
Admission: Free

2019 Santa Shuffle

What: A festive-focused fun run to help the less fortunate in the community. The 2019 Santa Shuffle 5 km fun run and 1 km Elf Walk takes place at 10 am in Stanley Park, beginning at Lumberman’s Arch. The coast-to-coast event raises money for the Salvation Army. Each runner will also receive a finisher medal.

When: December 7, 2019
Time: 8:30 am (check-in and late registration), 9:45 am (opening ceremonies), 9:50 am (warmup), 10 am (5 km run starts), 10:15 pm (1 km run starts)
Where: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
Tickets: Available online

FAO Schwarz Holiday Pop-Up Vancouver – Kids Holiday Crafts and Santa Visit!

What: Families can come in and make their own custom Christmas ornaments at this DIY workshop. Then guests can meet Santa Claus afterwards for cookies and photos. Note that admission, photos with Santa, and ornament supplies are on a first-come-first-served basis, and are available while quantities last.

When: December 7, 2019
Time: 10:30 am to 1:30 pm (Kid’s Holiday Crafts and DIY Ornaments), 1:30 to 4:30 pm (Cookies and Photos with Santa)
Where: 674 Granville Street, Vancouver, Main Floor
Registration: Online, Free

Gingerbread Village 2019

What: The Downtown Surrey BIA’s third annual Gingerbread Village is a charity event that raises money for the Surrey Christmas Bureau. The gingerbread creations will be on display at Central City Shopping Centre near the Winners, and attendees can vote for their favourite with a cash donation to Surrey Christmas Bureau to help them support low-income families during the holiday season.

When: December 7 until December 15, 2019
Time: Regular Mall Hours
Where: City Central Shopping Centre — 10153 King George Boulevard, Surrey
Admission: Free

Sunday, December 8

Vancouver Giants vs Tri-City Americans – Teddy Bear Toss

What: Vancouver Giants are playing at Rogers Arena for the first time ever. Teaming up with the Vancouver Canucks, the Giants announced that their popular Teddy Bear Toss game will take place on Sunday, December 8 at 4 pm against the Tri-City Americans.

Fans are invited to hurl stuffed animals onto the ice after the home team scores their first goal of the game. The stuffed toys are then donated to children’s charities, as will proceeds from 50/50 raffle tickets and teddy bear sales on the concourse.

When: December 8, 2019
Time: 4 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Got Craft? Holiday Edition

Got Craft? works to create a community supporting handmade and do-it-yourself culture. Since being founded in 2007, their bi-annual fairs bring together more than 75 designers and craft workshops, tasty treats, music, free bags, and a collective attendance of more than 5,500 per year.

When: December 8, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Gifts for the Animals

What: Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre shows attendees how to help local wildlife by creating items such as frog homes, bird feeders, and bee waterers. Participants will go on a search for wildlife habitats and create items to take home for their own garden.

When: December 8, 2019
Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre – 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Tragic Comedy of Macbeth

What: Literary Larceny Collective presents The Tragic Comedy of Macbeth, with comedians, theatre performers and improvisers performing a comedic take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Directed by Bernard Cuffling and Gary Jones.

When: December 8, December 11 to December 15, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm (Wednesday to Saturdays) 2 pm (Sunday)
Where: Jericho Arts Centre — 1675 Discovery St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Reflections: A Celebration of Cultural Diversity

What: Place des Arts and Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House Society host Reflections, an all-ages celebration of diversity. Everyone is welcome to discover how cultural traditions and customs are connected through the holiday season. Activities include lantern making, music, storytelling, and more.

When: December 8, 2019
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair

What: The fifth annual Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair features local handmade items, live music, and a number of raffles and prizes. Proceeds from the event go towards the music program at Burnaby Central Secondary School.

When: December 8, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Burnaby Hall – 7837 Canada Way, Burnaby
Admission: By donation

Krampusmarkt

What: OH Studio and Strange Fellows Brewing are teaming up to present Krampusmarkt, an old-world-inspired festival. Attendees will find a unique take on holiday shopping with odd, exquisite, and eclectic work from local artists, with ceramics, textiles, decor, artwork, and skin products available. Seasonal artist-led workshops and tastings of vintage barrel-aged beers will also take place.

Visitors are encouraged to come dressed in their best goth or ugly Christmas sweater and take a photo with Krampus (by donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank) on Thursday night, or 1 to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There’s also an opening reception on Friday, December 6. The $15 ticket price includes a beer, nibbles and a gift.

When: Now until December 8, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm (Friday), 12 to 8 pm (Saturday), 12 to 4 pm (Sunday)
Where: Strange Fellows Brewing — 1345 Clark Drive, Vancouver
Admission: $2 general admission, $15 for opening reception Friday

Boney M featuring Liz Mitchell “The Original Lead Singer” – Holiday Favorites & Classic Hits

What: Boney M with “The Original Lead Singer” Liz Mitchell performs a mix of holiday favourites and classic hits at Vogue Theatre on December 8. Featuring special guest Morgan James.

When: December 8, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair

What: The annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair features over 100 BC-based artisans, turning the Poirier Forum into a winter wonderland, full of artisan crafts, prepared foods, holiday gifts, and decor.

When: Now until December 8, 2019
Time: 4 to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 4 pm (Sunday)
Where: Poirier Forum – 618 Poirier Forum, Coquitlam
Admission: $4 per adult (kids 12 and under free)

Vancouver Men’s Chorus: Making Spirits Bright

What: Vancouver Men’s Chorus presents their annual holiday tradition, Making Spirits Bright. Everyone is welcome to enjoy Christmas classics at St. Paul’s Anglican Church as VMC celebrates the Colours of Christmas.

When: December 8, December 11 to 14, 2019
Time: Doors 7:15 pm, show 8:00 pm (plus matinees at 3 pm on December 7, 8 and 14)
Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church – 1130 Jervis Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online